Smith heading to Western Kentucky

by Steve Vear

Nathan Smith has signed with NCAA Division 1 school Western Kentucky University on a full athletic scholarship for the 2015-16 season.

The 7’1″ big man, who has just been named to the initial Great Britain under-20 squad will join fellow Brit Ben Lawson in the Hilltoppers’ front line, having only started playing basketball two and a half years ago.

“I signed with WKU as I got a good feeling from there when I went on a visit last month,” Smith said.

“The coaching staff and players are all great and are very passionate and committed to basketball. The whole school and community are passionate about basketball and they all want to see you succeed at the highest level.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of having to step up my game in order to compete at a tougher level of basketball. I am excited to see how much I will develop in the next few years and I am excited to play for a great basketball programme.”

Smith averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds on 56.1% shooting while helping Kent Crusaders to the NBL Division 1 Senior Men’s playoff title, and averaged 7.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.3 blocks in four games for Barking Abbey in the EABL this season.

From everyone at DENG Camp, we want to wish Nathan all the success in the USA.